Encephalitozoon hellem in two eclectus parrots (Eclectus roratus): identification from archival tissues
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Updated: Oct 26, 2026
Helminth Collection and Identification from Wildlife
Published on: December 14, 2013
N Pulparampil1, D Graham, D Phalen
1Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Texas A & M University, College Station 77843-4467, USA.
Abstract:
Members of the phylum Microspora are obligate, intracellular, single-celled parasites identified in a wide range of vertebrate and invertebrate hosts. Only a few cases of microsporidial infections have been documented in psittacine birds including peach-faced, masked, and Fischer's lovebirds (Agapornis roseicollis, A. personata, and A. fischeri, respectively), budgerigars (Melopsittacus undulatus), and a double yellow-headed Amazon parrot (Amazona ochrocephala). Parasite identification has typically been limited to phylum or genus, and no avian species of microsporidia has clearly been described. In this report, microsporidia were identified in the kidney and intestine of a new host, the eclectus parrot (Eclectus roratus). Parasites were identified as Encephalitozoon hellem using morphologic, ultrastructural, and small subunit ribosomal RNA gene sequence data obtained from archived tissues. This parasite species was first identified in immunocompromised humans and may be a potential zoonotic pathogen. The epidemiology and prevalence of this parasite in humans and birds should be further explored.
Insights
Microsporidia parasites were identified in an eclectus parrot, a new host species. The identified Encephalitozoon hellem may be a zoonotic pathogen, warranting further study in birds and humans.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Parasitology
- Avian Pathology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Microsporidia are obligate intracellular parasites affecting diverse hosts.
- Documented microsporidial infections in birds are rare, with limited species identification.
- Previous avian cases involved lovebirds, budgerigars, and Amazon parrots.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify microsporidia in a new avian host, the eclectus parrot.
- To characterize the identified microsporidia species.
- To assess the potential zoonotic implications of avian microsporidiosis.
Main Methods:
- Morphologic and ultrastructural analysis of parasites from infected kidney and intestine tissues.
- Small subunit ribosomal RNA (SSU rRNA) gene sequencing for precise identification.
- Utilized archived tissue samples for parasite analysis.
Main Results:
- Microsporidia were identified in the kidney and intestine of an eclectus parrot (Eclectus roratus).
- The identified parasites were characterized as Encephalitozoon hellem.
- Morphologic, ultrastructural, and genetic data confirmed the species identification.
Conclusions:
- Encephalitozoon hellem has been identified in a new avian host, the eclectus parrot.
- Encephalitozoon hellem, previously found in immunocompromised humans, may pose a zoonotic risk.
- Further research on the epidemiology and prevalence of this parasite in avian and human populations is recommended.
